Biblical Text: Psalm 80:1-7
Guidelines for Individual Playdates
Strengthens poetic and trans-rational processing of text, world, and self. Helps to reduce over-wording everything! Focuses the mind on details and allows for emotional expression beyond any explanation.
Bible. Paper and Pen.
Spend a moment in quiet prayer. If you wish, begin by freewriting for 3-5 minutes. Just let the pen empty out your concerns and thanksgiving for the day. Breathe.
Note: You may choose to do one or two verses a day. Or, you may write new haikus on the Psalm text every day. Do what you wish!
A Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that often juxtaposes two ideas or images. The poem often interrupts itself with what is called a “cutting word” (kireji), which may occur at the end of any line and sometimes closes the poem with a heightening sensibility.
Harvest moon:
around the pond I wander
and the night is gone.
(Basho, 1644-1694)
Right at my feet —
and when did you get here,
snail?
(Issa, 1762-1826)
A lightning flash:
between the forest trees
I have seen water.
(Masaoka Shiki, 1867-1902)
Take a moment to breathe and let the playtime settle around you. Carry your curiosity and insights and questions into the day.
Living Beyond the Rational
Poetry As a Mode of Thought
Guidelines for Individual Playdates
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